VENUE NEWS: Boston Event Works Moves Into The Chevalier Theater

BOSTON, MA (CelebrityAccess News Service) – Boston Event Works is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin E. Baker as Vice President to the company. Mr. Baker will assist and enable Boston Event Works in its expansion stages along with music veteran Warren Scott.

Boston Event Works has moved its offices and is now located at The Chevalier Theater in Medford, MA. This 2100 seat theater is also one of Boston Event Works newest venue acquisitions. The new mail address is PO Box 180, Medford, MA 02155; the physical address is 30 Forest St. The new phone numbers are (Phone) 781-395-1732, (Fax) 781-395-1733 and the email address will remain the same: info@bostoneventworks.com

MILWAUKEE (AP) – The chairman of the Wisconsin Center District has suggested that the Bradley Center be sold to the Forest County Potawatomi tribe for a downtown casino.

District chairman Franklyn Gimbel said that, if such a sale was made, he favored using some of the proceeds to build a new sports arena at or near the site of what he hopes is an expanded Midwest Airlines Center. Gimbel said he recently discussed the proposal with Bradley Center officials and a top official in Gov. Jim Doyle's administration.

"Everybody agrees that the Bradley Center is not the long-term solution for a professional franchise like the Milwaukee Bucks" of the National Basketball Association, Gimbel said.

"You can't make the place into a cash register. Why not sell it to the Potawatomi, and let them convert it into a casino? We'll build our phase three convention center and put a new sports arena on top of that, like Madison Square Garden" in New York.

Gimbel doesn't have any control or authority over the Bradley Center. But Bradley Center officials and others in the city have talked off and on for three years about merging the operations of the Wisconsin Center District and the Bradley Center.

Such a merger would bring the Bradley Center, the U.S. Cellular Arena, the convention center and the new Milwaukee Theatre under one authority.

Bradley Center board chairman Ulice Payne Jr. said that panel was not inclined to sell the center.

The Potawatomi say they are awaiting the outcome of a pair of state Supreme Court cases that will affect the future of Indian gaming in Wisconsin, and tribal spokesman Ken Walsh said it is premature to consider any plans to expand or move the casino in the meantime.

Detroit Opera House Project Unveiled

(CelebrityAccess News Service) – Michigan Opera Theatre founder and General Director, Dr. David DiChiera, has unveiled plans for the final phase of the Detroit Opera House project and announced the official launch of The Crowning Achievement.

A $20 million fundraising initiative, The Crowning Achievement ensures the completion of the Detroit Opera House, which includes renovation of its six-floor Broadway Tower to create the Ford Center for Arts and Learning, completion of decorative painting, retirement of existing debt, provision for a much needed parking structure and an endowment component. This fundraising effort is driven by a $3 million challenge grant awarded by The Kresge Foundation, which serves as a catalyst for securing major and leadership-level gifts. Ford Motor Company Fund has already committed $3 million.

"We began our quest to make the Detroit Opera House a major resource in the cultural life of our community," DiChiera began. "That journey began in 1989 when we acquired the property and started to renovate the theater. Over $24 million was raised in the first campaign to open the Detroit Opera House and position the facility as a catalyst for the renaissance of the entertainment district.

"The second capital effort, The New Century Fund Campaign, which we began in 1999 with the historic visit by the Three Tenors, raised $18 million enabling us to begin to pay down our construction debt, begin renovations of the Broadway Tower and finish the Madison Tower thereby bringing together all facets of the company under one roof resulting in a more efficient organization," he said.

"The aptly named The Crowning Achievement is the third and final phase to raise $20 million to complete what we envisioned years ago," DiChiera continued. "With the success of The Crowning Achievement, the Detroit Opera House will become a true community resource, in our time and in the future, offering not just opera and dance on the main stage, but a place for everyone to experience the power of art, to learn something unexpected, and to express their creativity."

"As one of the few American opera companies to own and operate its performance facility, Michigan Opera Theatre is in the unique and wonderful position to control its own destiny as a leader in the business and cultural community and provide a significant source of enrichment for generations to come. The Crowning Achievement will, among many things, allow us to provide our community a comprehensive Center for Arts and Learning and provide the vital stability afforded by an endowment," he continued.

To date, Michigan Opera Theatre has raised nearly $16.2 million toward its goal of $20 million. DiChiera stated that the company plans to complete the campaign by June 1, a date that coincides with a deadline established by The Kresge Foundation. –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner

IAAM's Academy For Venue Safety & Security Debuts This August

(CelebrityAccess News Service) – International Association of Assembly Managers' (IAAM) inaugural Academy for Venue Safety & Security will take place August 22-26 at the American Airlines Training & Conference Center near the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

The Academy is designed for those in public assembly facility management responsible for implementing security planning, emergency planning, crowd management and life safety. Other targeted audiences include security directors, general managers, directors and assistant directors, event management staff and private security company management.

IAAM is partnering with Dr. Gil Fried of the University of New Haven in developing the curriculum for the Academy. The program is a cooperative venture by IAAM and the Department of Homeland Security.

"In the wake of 9/11, venue safety and security have become increasingly important," said King. "As a Life Safety Council program, the Academy will address these issues and many others in great detail." –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner

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